Monday, 25 May 2009

This was an eagerley awating wedding as it look me back to the place I was married in 2007. It was lovely as the Bride and Groom invited my husband in the evening too as they knew it was a special place for us. Horton Grange is an intimate county house hotel just a short drive from Newcastle Airport. The beauty of the place is in it's contemporary decor, beautiful gardens, amazing food and the fact that the place is completely yours for 24 hours. It's a bit of a secret really so dont go telling everyone!! It was incredibly moving going back there for the first time since we got married and I am going back there again next month and very much looking forward to it.

Over the generations we've moved on a lot and it's very common now for your children to be at your wedding (unlike my parents era!!). Sharon and Stephen were privileged to have 4 children at their wedding of various ages and they made beautiful bridesmaids and pageboys and great photographic subjects!

Another special part of the day was some very moving perfomances from their young friends. first up was an angelic young man singing Nessun Dorma....yes you read right! Next up was Chelsea, a 16 year old Bridesmaid who got up to sing an fantastic version of Whitney Houstons 'I have Nothing' I swear there wasn't a dry eye in the house after those two! Finally all the Hens got up to perform well practiced moves to Madonna's True Blue. It was fantasic and they all got a standing ovation! It's moments like this that make a wedding truly unforgettable.

For this wedding I was only in attendance for 3 hours in the evening so it's great to see what can be created in such a short time. And it's good to know that my 3 hour Petite package is only a credit crunching £400 which includes prints!

Thursday, 21 May 2009

My daughter's friend, Rachel, turns 18 next week and is planning a fab Oscars themed party (to which I am not invited - too old probably haha). It was the perfect opportunity to get the girls round and test drive my new backdrop.

So we tried the white side first.....

And then we went over to the dark side!!

So happy birthday Rachel and I hope you have an awesome birthday party xxx

Friday, 15 May 2009

I had the absolute pleasure of shooting (and playing with!) Roisin this week. I met her Mummy, Claire, back in 2006 when we were planning our weddings and we've become firm friends. If you scroll down my blog you will see Claire's bump shoot. Roisin is such a happy baby and incredibly cute! Unfortunately Daddy was at work so I am going back in a few weeks for a family shoot. Can't wait for another cuddle....

Would you like a photoshoot with your baby or maybe as a present for a 1st birthday or christening present? Contact me at karenmcgowranphotography@hotmail.co.uk and we can have a chat about it.

Friday, 8 May 2009

On the 25th April a stunning bride floated down the aisle in a beautiful church to a handsome groom and they emerged Mr and Mrs Askell! I knew I was going to enjoy this wedding as both Michael and Cheryl are down to earth, fun loving people who planned a very informal relaxed day. There is a lot to be said for deciding against a formal sit down meal - it's becoming very common and you can spend the £££££ you save on a luxury honeymoon instead!

Cheryl and Michael were married at St Mary The Virgin Church in Ponteland and after a lovely ceremony (where the Vicar spoke a lot of wise words about marriage) we hit the Quayside for some Bride and Groom alone time. Well I say 'alone' however we had a few people congratulating the newlyweds!

Afterwards it was off to The Copthorne where their guests were waiting to welcome them as husband and wife and the drinks and canapes were flowing freely....which is always good at a wedding!

What was lovely about this wedding was how many people played a special part. For example, Cheryl got ready at her Aunties house and their 15 year old nephew played the piano during the drinks reception (and he was VERY good) and many little girls played the part of bridemaids or confetti girls! The whole day was fantastic and the newlyweds jetted off the next day to the States and, after a slight hiccup getting to Mexico (involving a guest appearance on Look North!) they ended up in Barbados.